By Adam Aniba
This draft class is extremely deep at offensive tackle, particularly in the top 50. Our top 3 OT's in the class are UGA's Broderick Jones (scouting report), Oklahoma's Anton Harrison (scouting report) and OSU's Parris Campbell, but one offensive lineman stood out during the Senior Bowl and comes in at our #4 rated OT leading up to the NFL Combine.
Buckeyes Dawand Jones impressed onlookers during the Senior Bowl with his sheer size and athleticism. He made a name for himself as a mauler, predominantly lining up on the right side for Ohio State.
Dawand Jones
6'8" 360 lbs | RT | OSU
Draft Proj 2nd Rd
Background
Jones attended Ben Davis HS in Indianapolis, IN staring as a two-sport athlete in basketball and football. He even had multiple D1 basketball scholarship offers. His passion was always football though and was a star offensive tackle for Ben Davis.
During his first year as a starter in '17, Jones helped lead Ben Davis to the 6A Indianapolis State Championship and an undefeated season.
As a senior Jones was named a top 15 rated prospect in the state of Indiana and given a 4-star rating by ESPN.
As with basketball, the offensive tackle was heavily recruited by multiple D1 football programs and chose Ohio State out of the long list of suitors.
In '19 Jones participated in 9 games as a true freshman for the Buckeyes in a reserve role. In a COVID shortened '20 season, Jones was active for 6 games seeing time at LT and RT, but didn't get extended starts until '21.
In 2021 Jones finally saw extended time with the starting unit at right tackle, playing in 13 games and giving up only 7 QB hurries, 1 QB hit, and 3 sacks. For his efforts, Jones was named to the second-team All-Big Ten Conference by the media and third-team by the coaches.
Jones ranked third on the team in offensive snaps for the season. The Buckeyes' tackle helped lead OSU to a #1 ranking offensively in the nation in total offense (561.5 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.7 pts per game).
As a senior in '22, Jones started in 12 games and played a total of 693 snaps for the Buckeyes. In 27 career games Jones had his best production at right tackle with 14 starts on the right side.
Jones showed tremendous growth during his final two seasons at OSU, he also impressed scouts and team officials during Senior Bowl practices. He was given the nickname "Thanos" (character from Avengers Infinity War), based on his imposing presence.
PROS
A mammoth of a man, who displays the ability to engulf defenders in the run game
Strong initial punch and a mauler at the point of attack
Displays above average athleticism for a man his size with impressive bend
Although an impressive run blocker, he also displays the awareness and quick processing to succeed in pass pro
When out in space, displays the ability to to get out in front and open up space for ball carriers
CONS
His size can be a detriment at times, most notably when facing quicker/more athletic pass rushers
Bad habit of lunging and too often relies on his power, rather than utilizing technique
Although played LT and RT, lacks versatility to play extended snaps at left tackle
Displays balance and leverage issues at times, will require technique regiment on the next level
Kickslide has a lot to be desired and too often relies on his strength
Outlook
Jones is a monster of a tackle, but also surprised many with his athleticism during Senior Bowl practices.
There is some that believe that a team should try Jones at left tackle, before conceding that right tackle might be his best position. His issues stem from his unbalanced frame and could struggle protecting the blind side vs NFL quick twitch pass rushers. The OSU tackle is top heavy and losing weight could greatly improve his overall balance at the point of attack.
Jones is ideally suited to play RT and could have a long career on the right side. In saying that, in time he could be groomed to man the blind side. Being limited to the right side could drop his stock a bit, but he might not make it out of the top #25.
The team that selects Jones will have the ability to plug him in at right tackle from day one and likely have a Pro Bowl caliber player for next 10 years.
*Games Watched- 9/3/22 vs Notre Dame, 10/1 vs Rutgers, 10/8 vs MSU, 10/22 vs Iowa, 10/29 PSU, 11/5 vs N.Western, 11/26 vs Mich & 12/31 vs UGA
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